Katy Wheeler

Legendary chart-toppers, James, are leading a line-up of top British talent at one of the North East’s biggest, live music events – and you could be there for free.

The band, who have already sold more than 12 million albums worldwide, will headline Hardwick Live 2015, in the grounds of Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, County Durham, on Saturday August 22.

Embrace will treat the Hardwick Live crowd to their anthemic rock.

The one-day, family-friendly event, organised by Ramside Estates, will feature three stages of live music, as well as a host of activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Since forming in Manchester in 1982, James’ enduring creativity has made them one of the most influential indie bands in British history, with top 10 albums like Gold Mother Seven, Laid, Whiplash and Millionaires, earning them one of the most intensely loyal fan bases in the business.

The band’s 13th studio album, La Petite Mort, was released to critical acclaim last year, with singles such as Moving On and Frozen Britain, building on the success of previous hits, including She’s A Star, Laid, Getting Away With It (All Messed Up) and the unforgettable, Sit Down.

James will be fronting Hardwick Live’s Main Stage, where they’ll be joined by special guests, Razorlight – best known for smash hit singles, America, Somewhere Else and the infectious, In The Morning.

North-East act Smoove & Turrell are also on the bill.

’70s legends 10cc will also be bringing an arsenal of hits to the event, including The Things We Do For Love, I’m Not In Love and Dreadlock Holiday, while Yorkshire band Embrace, whose debut album The Good Will Out was one of the fastest selling releases in British history, will treat the crowd to anthems such as Come Back To What You Know, Fireworks, and All You Good Good People.

Other artists taking to the Main Stage throughout the day will include Birmingham-based ska group, The Beat, Ivor Novello award-winning singer/songwriter Scott Matthews, Natasha North, Meadowlark and The Voluntears.

For the first time, Hardwick Live will also be showcasing ‘tomorrow’s acts today,’ with a special Discovery Stage headlined by Britpop icons, Cast. The band, which emerged from The La’s, released a succession of hits, including Finetime, Sandstorm and Walkaway, before splitting in 2001.

They reformed in 2010, with hit single Baby Blue Eyes released in 2014 and a new album due later this year. Cast will be joined on the Discovery Stage by a host of upcoming acts from across the UK, including North-East act Smoove & Turrell, who released their third studio album, Broken Toys in May last year, Sheffield band The Sherlocks and Scotland’s Randolph’s Leap.

In another first for the festival, Hardwick Live 2015 will also boast a special Dome stage, offering comedy performances during the day and DJ sets into the night.

This will include appearances by presenter and cartoonist Alfie Joey, former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Cal Halbert and renowned producer, DJ Joey Negro.

There will also be a separate children’s area, with fairground rides, magic, face painting, Punch and Judy shows and more, to keep young visitors entertained throughout the day.

• Tickets for Hardwick Live 2015, priced from £8 for children and £49 for adults, are on sale at www.hardwicklive.co.uk, where you will also find details on the full line-up and the accommodation packages available at this year’s event.

• To win a pair of tickets to Hardwick Live, answer this question: Which of these is a James song?